Summer Hike Numero Dos

We took our second big family hike a few weeks ago. You can read about the first one here.

This time we opted for a more real feeling hike; you know, more gorp and switchbacks and less cellphonetalkerdogwalkers. The last one was great and close by for many of us but we were looking to increase the difficulty and get out in to the mountains a little bit more.

Everybody's ready. (Dad is taking the picture... My sister couldn't make it this time. Boo.)

We drove a little way up toward Snoqualmie Pass to a happy, well-maintained trail to Ollalie and Talapus lakes.

This time we were better equiped for carrying the two little boys. Josiah is very enthusiastic about hiking. He started out on the ground but spent most of his time in the big pack on Daddy's back. Hooray for friends who are willing to lend us their baby carriers! We might still be there if we all went at Jo's pace.

We took lots of breaks for water, Power Pellets and exploring. I love streams like this. I want one in my backyard.

I'm just going to put this whistle in my mouth and hold it there. It's not an emer... an emernussie. - Mercy

Trail mix...

Our crew:

We made it up to the lake to eat our lunch together and play in the water. Bringing little paper trays to serve as plates helped to streamline the lunch prep process. That's a lot of meat stick slicing when you are feeding 10 hungry hikers.

These guys are shaping up to be master hikers.

Grandad and James take in the lake.

We made it back out with everyone intact and happy. And then we had a rootbeer float fest at this crazy place in North Bend. Yum.

(If you go, skip the burgers and enjoy some fun but expensive shakes or floats. Just my 2 cents.)

We hope to squeeze in one more hike before the summer's end. I know Daniel is hoping for a real overnight trip for the big boys but we'll see what happens.


A question for you hikers out there: What's more important to you in choosing a hike; a fulfilling destination like a lake or a pretty view or a pleasant trail? ( I like it when you get both! )

Summer Hike Numero Uno

I love that I learned to hike and how to enjoy it as a child.

This summer my parents have taken us all on a couple hikes with the intention of teaching our kids the basics of walking in the woods in a group with packs on.

For our first hike, we walked through the woods down to the beach in Seattle. 

We learned about reading our maps. And when to use our emergeny whistle. And how to use our compasses.

Here's the whole group ready to go: Look at that! That's my whole family on my side! What a treat to do something all together!

All the kids carried backpacks... I think Josiah's contained his First Aid Kit: one bandaid inside a ziplock bag.

Now he's helping me hike. See our fashionable compass rings?

Pretty ladies on the beach...

Can I use my whistle yet? -Mercy

The big boys... who carry all our gear so that Bob and I can carry the babies.

Children and their favorite toys: sticks.

Watching the beached seal pup...

Yay! We're back at the cars!

Time for ice cream...

"Mercy, what was your favorite thing about the hike today?"


"Being in the fwont of everybody!"

Stay tuned for our next adventure: Summer Hike Numero Dos!

Photo credits go to my mom and whoever else was holding her camera. 

A double dose of Sweet Williams

Here we have James William and William Edward...

I love you, Grandpa!


(Aren't they cute?)

Scenes from this week

One day this week seemed particularly peaceful and pleasant around here so I had to document it. 

Maybe it was the cooler weather or just the fact that we were home all day... 

Shasta daisies are a cheery view from the Baby Room window.

Two happy little friends...

And two bigger ones.

And Mercy, during a brief break from playing "babies" and helping me with James...

And this: My yard sale find of the week...

TEN BUCKS for this baby! It's sturdy enough for Mercy to use it for stairs up to her lofted toddler bed. That Bob will be making. Soon, I hope.  

I can't wait! 

(I want to get Josiah out of the closet!)

Satisfied

Poor I was, and sought for riches,

Something that would satisfy,

But the dust I gathered round me,

Only mocked my soul's sad cry.

Feeding on the filth around me,

Til my strength was almost gone,

Longed my soul for something better,

Only still to hunger on.

All my life, I had panted

for the drink of some cool spring,

That I hoped would quench the burning

Of the thrist I felt within.

 ***

Halelujah! He has found me! 

The One my soul so long has craved!

Jesus satifies my souls longings,

Through His blood I am now saved.

 ***

Well of water, ever springing,

Bread of life so rich and free,

Untold wealth that never faileth,

My Redeemer is to me.

Clara Tear Williams 1875, Peterson 2004

The Buggy Rides Again!

After several years of providing homes for wasps in our driveway... The Bug is back in action!

 

Little Jo Part 2

Change the list of requirements back there at the end of my last post just a little for each child and mulitply by five children and you get a picture of the expectations for parenting on any given day of the week in our family. It's kind of mind numbing when I think of it that way. 

So I don't. And I'm not here to say that I just take it one day at a time and it will all work out in the end. The kids will be fine, right?  

I guess I just don't get a sense of peace from that kind of reasoning when I'm faced daily with my lack of self control while in the misdst of training my child in self control.

When I consider all that Josiah and his brothers and sister need from me daily, it's sad to me that I so often choose to kind of check out after bedtime rather than to recharge for the coming day with time in the Word or prayer or extra sleep, even. I don't think those are the only downtime activities allowed for a busy mom.  But I see my need for digging deeper into what God has for me for wisdom, patience, perseverance, gentleness, self-control, a cheery spirit... and when that quiet moment comes, I fill it with something else.  Honestly, I tend to swing from shock and awe at my sin and how it affects my family to an indifference stemming from the lie that if I just get more "time alone" to veg or shop or eat chocolate or have adult conversations, I'll deal with that whining/sulking/tired child better next time.

This post is still about Josiah... Don't worry. 

Josiah is one of my many little reminders of my need to soak up God's promises to me, daily, so I can pass them on to him.

I love you, Jo! See! I found your smile- I knew it was there somewhere! We'll get through this rough spot, Buddy!